Ways to read your gas and electricity meters
If you are in debt to your energy supplier, giving accurate meter readings can stop your bills from being estimated too high. Here is how to read your gas and electricity meter.
Why meter readings matter when you owe money
If you are behind on your energy bills, you might be worried about how much you actually owe. Energy companies often estimate your usage if they do not have a recent meter reading, and those estimates can be higher than what you have really used. Submitting a meter reading gives you an accurate picture of your debt and can sometimes reduce what you owe.
Taking regular meter readings also helps you keep track of your usage and spot any problems early.
How to find your meter
Your gas and electricity meters are usually found in a cupboard, under the stairs, in the hallway, or in a meter box outside your home. You may have separate meters for gas and electricity.
Digital meters (gas and electric)
Single rate meter:
- Read the numbers shown on the display from left to right
- Write down the black or white numbers only
- Ignore any numbers in red or after the decimal point
Two-rate meter (Economy 7 or similar):
- These meters show two readings: "Rate 1" (day) and "Rate 2" (night)
- You may need to press a button (often labelled A or B) to cycle between the two displays
- Write down both readings
Smart meters
If you have a smart meter, it sends readings to your energy supplier automatically. However, you can also check the reading yourself:
- Press the buttons on the meter (often labelled A, Display, or similar) to cycle through the screens
- Look for the screen showing "kWh" for electricity or "m3" for gas
- Write down the number displayed
You can find step-by-step instructions for different smart meter models on the Yu Energy meter reading guide.
What to do with your reading
Once you have your reading, submit it to your energy supplier. You can usually do this through their app, website, or by phone. If the reading is lower than what they have been estimating, ask them to recalculate your bill.
If you are in debt to your energy company and the corrected bill is still more than you can afford, contact us. We can help you negotiate a repayment plan or check if you are eligible for any support schemes.
Get help
Energy debt can feel overwhelming, but there is support available.
- Email us at info@youthlegal.org.uk
- Call us on 020 3195 1906
- Fill in our contact form and we will get back to you
All our advice is free and confidential.